A general relativistic code for rotating axisymmetric configurations and gravitational radiation: Numerical methods and tests

Abstract

We describe a fully general relativistic computer code for solving the complete coupled Einstein/hydrodynamic equations for rotating axisymmetric systems including their gravitational wave emission. We describe the formalism used; the form of the equations which are solved; and the numerical methods employed. The hydrodynamic and geometrical tests used to check the code are also documented.